Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate Planning

About Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast with Attorney Elsa W. Smith | Empowering Women Through Estate Planning

What if we created a safe space for women that demystified estate planning? What if we talked with professionals from various disciplines and shared their "not-so-straight" paths to creating wealth and lasting legacies? That's what the Wills, Women & Wealth podcast is all about. Hosted by award-winning Attorney Elsa W. Smith, owner of the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC - each episode will give you the confidence and resources you need to make the next right move to protect your health, your family and your money. The goal is to move you from overwhelmed to empowered. Let's do this!

Publisher

Elsa W. Smith

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Jan 2023

Latest episode

28 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

4 of 95 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   28 Oct 2026

   Episode 95: When Mom Needs Help: What Adult Children Need to Know About Estate Planning

   Episode 95 – Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast When Mom Needs Help: What Adult Children Need to Know About Estate Planning In this important and practical episode of the Wills, Women & Wealth Podcast, Attorney Elsa W. Smith explores a situation many families face: what happens when an aging parent needs help managing their finances, making important decisions, or preparing for the unexpected? Whether you've noticed changes in your mother's memory, have begun helping with everyday responsibilities, or are facing a sudden medical emergency, understanding the legal realities of estate planning can make a significant difference. One of the first questions adult children often ask is, “Can we get a Power of Attorney for Mom?” Elsa explains why the answer isn't always straightforward. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that a person must create voluntarily while they have the legal capacity to understand the document and the authority they are granting. If a parent has already lost that capacity, creating a Power of Attorney may no longer be an option, and the family may need to explore guardianship through the court. Elsa also explains the important difference between a parent's permission and legal authority. Even if your mother tells you that you can manage her finances or handle matters on her behalf, that conversation may not provide the legal authority a financial institution or another organization requires. Planning ahead can help families avoid discovering these limitations during an already stressful time. Just as importantly, this episode addresses how adult children can support a parent through estate planning without taking over the process. Concern for a loved one can be a powerful reason to start the conversation, but the parent whose wishes, finances, and healthcare decisions are involved must remain at the center of their own plan. In this episode, you'll learn: Why estate planning needs to happen before a medical crisis Why you cannot simply obtain a Power of Attorney for your parent How a parent's legal capacity affects their ability to create estate planning documents When guardianship may become necessary The difference between having permission to help and having legal authority to act Why adult children should support their parents without replacing their voices in the planning process How to encourage an aging parent to begin estate planning while they can still express their wishes Most importantly, this episode reminds us that helping a parent plan is an act of care, but protecting their independence means allowing them to make their own decisions whenever they can. The right conversations, started at the right time, can help preserve their choices and give the family greater clarity when support is needed. Whether you're an adult child concerned about an aging parent or a parent ready to take control of your own future, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you understand the importance of planning. Portions of this episode were originally recorded as educational videos and have been adapted for this podcast episode. SUBSCRIBE Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information. STAY CONNECTED✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law (https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw (https://elsawsmithlaw.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only) DISCLAIMERSInformation in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney. SPONSORThis podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC (https://elsawsmithlaw.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. © 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Episode 94 (Encore): Aquanetta Betts | Building a Legacy Through Strategic Charitable Giving

   Episode 94 (Encore): Aquanetta Betts | Building a Legacy Through Strategic Charitable Giving We’re bringing back one of our most inspiring conversations in this special encore presentation of Episode 86. In this episode, Attorney Elsa W. Smith sits down with philanthropy strategist and legacy advocate Aquanetta Betts to explore how charitable giving can become a meaningful part of a woman’s legacy. As the founder and principal consultant of Johnson Betts, LLC, Aquanetta helps individuals and organizations develop intentional philanthropic strategies. She explains why giving isn't reserved for the ultra-wealthy and how women can align their resources, values, and life experiences with the causes that matter most. Together, Elsa and Aquanetta discuss practical ways to incorporate charitable giving into an estate plan, use beneficiary designations to support charitable causes, and create a lasting impact that extends beyond a lifetime. They also explore how families can balance supporting loved ones with giving back, why reviewing charitable goals and beneficiary designations matters, and how even modest resources can help create meaningful change. Whether you’re just beginning to consider charitable giving or looking for new ways to make your resources reflect your values, this encore episode is a reminder that building a legacy is about more than what you leave behind. It’s about the opportunities you create, the communities you strengthen, and the values you pass forward for generations to come.What You’ll Learn: Why philanthropy is not just for wealthy families How charitable giving can become a meaningful part of your legacy The importance of identifying specific causes instead of giving broadly Practical ways to align charitable giving with your personal values and lived experiences Why charitable giving often resonates deeply with professional women and communities of color How charitable gifts can be incorporated into an estate plan Ways beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and financial accounts can support charitable causes Common mistakes people make when they fail to review beneficiary designations over time What a "giving checkup" is and why it matters How often you should revisit your charitable goals and giving strategy The inspiring story of a scholarship fund created from a family's loss and transformed into a lasting legacy How property and other assets can be used creatively to support charitable initiatives What an endowment fund is and why it can be a powerful legacy-building tool How to balance supporting family members while also supporting charitable causes Why you don't need enormous wealth to make a meaningful impact How major life transitions often inspire people to think differently about legacy and giving Three key takeaways every listener can implement today SUBSCRIBE Follow this podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and families access this empowering information. STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR GUEST ✔️ Connect with Aquanetta Betts on LinkedIn: @aquanettabetts ✔️ Learn more about her work and charitable giving initiatives: JohnsonBetts.com STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOST ✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw (https://linktr.ee/elsawsmithlaw) ✔️ Visit us at elsawsmithlaw.com (http://elsawsmithlaw.com) ✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only) DISCLAIMERS Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney. SPONSOR This podcast is sponsored by the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more at elsawsmithlaw.com (http://elsawsmithlaw.com). © 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Episode 93 (Encore): Morgan Wider | Worthy First: Identity, Image & the Decisions That Shape Your Legacy

   Episode 93 (Encore): Morgan Wider | Worthy First: Identity, Image & the Decisions That Shape Your Legacy We’re bringing back one of our most thought-provoking conversations in this special encore presentation, originally airing on April 29th, 2026. In this episode, Attorney Elsa W. Smith sits down with executive presence strategist, speaker, and author Morgan Wider for a meaningful conversation about identity, visibility, self-worth, and the decisions that shape how women show up in the world. Morgan, creator of the Identity Impact Index™ and author of The Worthy Wardrobe, shares insights that go far beyond personal style. Together, Elsa and Morgan explore how identity influences the choices we make—and how those choices can shape both our present and the legacy we leave behind. Whether you're thinking about how you present yourself today or the legacy you want to create for tomorrow, this encore episode offers an inspiring reminder to make intentional decisions about who you are, what you value, and how you want to be remembered. What You’ll Learn: Why “worth comes before wardrobe”—and how self-worth shapes every outward choice What your closet may be revealing about your identity, priorities, and decision patterns How women often delay decisions—whether in their wardrobe or estate planning—when those decisions require confronting a new season of life The emotional and psychological weight behind holding onto items that no longer fit your life How major identity shifts (career changes, motherhood, retirement) require intentional realignment—not just adjustment Why body changes are not just physical—but deeply connected to self-perception and acceptance How to define executive presence in a way that honors both authenticity and appropriateness What women often underestimate about how appearance influences opportunity The difference between intentional purchasing and identity-driven consumption Why clarity—not perfection—is the foundation of confident decision-making SUBSCRIBE Follow the podcast and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star review—it helps more women and professionals access this empowering information. STAY CONNECTED with OUR GUEST ✔️website: https://widerstyle.com/ ✔️IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganwiderstyle STAY CONNECTED with OUR HOST ✔️ Connect with Attorney Elsa W. Smith: Linktree – Elsa W. Smith Law ✔️ Visit us at @elsawsmithlaw ✔️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✔️ Book a complimentary 15-minute assessment call for estate planning, probate, or business formation (MD & DC only) DISCLAIMERS Information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please do your own due diligence before hiring an attorney. SPONSOR This podcast is sponsored by Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC—a wills, estate planning, and probate firm serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. © 2026 Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC. All rights reserved.

Inside a recent episode

Episode 78: Changing the Narrative: Women of Color, Power, and Legacy

Published 25 Feb 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] You may notice that some of these conversations were recorded in earlier seasons of this podcast, but their messages are just as relevant today. Let's begin by talking about why changing the narrative matters. For years, marketing around estate planning has sent women of color one clear message. This isn't for you. That ends here. You may notice that much of my content is directed towards women of color. There's a reason for that. My practice has a mission to empower women through estate planning. And as a woman of color, myself, that mission is deeply personal. For far too long, women of color have been left out of the estate planning conversation. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

35,904

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

70

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

68

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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